James Jansen has worked as a director of photography in film and television for over 30 years. He has since turned to still photography.
On what inspired him to begin photographing Monhegan Island:
“I first came to Monhegan in the late 70’s and return whenever I can. I was immediately taken by the way the light hit the water, the cliffs and filtered through the woods. Over the years, artists have photographed and painted the entire island and its surroundings, in all lights and seasons. I was always looking for Monhegan images that were new and yet still true to the timeless feel of the Island.
During early sunrise, I’d photograph boats leaving the dock when the sea was calm and reflective. Throughout the day, I would walk the island and try to capture on film something of its unique spirit. Monhegan seems to be a place that transcends time. When the last ferry of the day leaves, you feel a peaceful isolation from the rest of the world. It is a place where one’s day is governed by the rhythms of the sun and the tides.”
“Before 1999, there was very little electricity on the island and most of the light came from kerosene lamps, candles or propane lanterns. Each of these gave off a different quality, intensity and color of light. The utilitarian propane lanterns gave a cold, bright illumination. I loved seeing the interior soft warmth of candlelight and kerosene lamps, filtering out through the windows and meeting the soft cool blue of the ocean night. When total darkness fell, film cameras didn’t have the contrast range and sensitivity to sharply capture the stars, the interior warmth and the cool outside darkness in the same image.
Digital cameras have evolved and now have the increased contrast range and light sensitivity that enables me to use a short shutter speed to capture earthbound images along with the overhead stars. This shutter speed also makes it possible to photograph stars without the trails caused by the earth’s rotation. To do this, I use a very light sensitive camera with a fast lens that sees farther into the darkness than our eye can see. I often use a small handheld LED light to illuminate the foreground.
Monhegan is a place of harsh winter weather and strong ocean winds. The clean lines and enduring strength of its architecture are designed to withstand these conditions. Several of its buildings are over 100 years old. I want my Monhegan images to illustrate this vibrant island spirit, set against the infinite power of the natural world.”